Bottom line
At just 5.4 ounces, the Zpacks Vertice (men’s / women’s) targets thru-hikers and other people trying to keep total pack weight exceptionally low. During a wet stretch of the Colorado Trail, its long cut and coverage were useful in prolonged rain.
The very light fabric demands greater care than burlier jackets, and there are no handwarmer pockets. Its oversized hood works best with a hat, so the minimal weight comes with fit and feature compromises.
For more options, see our Best Rain Jackets guide.
How We Tested
Casey Handley evaluated the Vertice on long-distance hiking and backpacking trips, including wet stretches of the Colorado Trail and hikes through brush. Field notes document hood and hem coverage, layering comfort, pit-zip airflow, and durability after contact with thick willows and shrubs. The team also checked how compactly the jacket stows into its chest pocket.
Quick Specs
Zpacks Vertice
Breathable Ultralight Jacket
CleverHiker Rating: 4.1/5.0
Price: $299
Listed Weight: 5.4 oz. / 5.1 oz.(men’s / women’s)
# of Vents: 2
# of Vents: 2
Pros
- Very low weight
- Long hem helps coverage
- Ideal for wet long-distance travel
Cons
- Thin fabric needs care
- No handwarmer pockets
- Oversized hood fit may require a hat
Comfort & Mobility
The Vertice has a roomy cut that accommodates a fleece or puffy, with sleeves and cuffs that do not bind when layered. Its long hem covers the seat on wet logs or rocks and directs runoff below the waist. Missing handwarmer pockets are a real inconvenience for daily wear.
For backpacking, the longer hem has a practical advantage: it helps keep runoff below the waistband even while sitting on wet surfaces. Loose sleeves allow an insulating layer without binding, and the lightweight fabric creates little resistance to movement. The tradeoffs are an oversized hood and missing hand pockets, which reduce everyday comfort.
Comfort & Mobility Score: 4.0/5.0
Weather Resistance
Its three-layer construction carries a hydrostatic-head rating above 20,000 mm, providing a strong waterproof barrier. On wet backpacking trips, the long hem provided useful coverage. In wind, the oversized hood sometimes flopped into the wearer’s face, so CleverHiker recommends supporting the brim with a hat or visor.
A waterproof membrane rating is useful context but cannot guarantee that every opening seals perfectly. Our tester found that the hood could billow and obstruct vision unless supported by a hat or visor. Even with good hem coverage, hikers in sustained wind-driven rain should consider that fit detail carefully.
Weather Resistance Score: 4.0/5.0
Ventilation
Long pit zips quickly shed excess heat. On wet trail hikes, CleverHiker reported no troublesome condensation inside the Vertice, and its light fabric also felt airy enough to serve as a wind layer. These field observations support its ventilation advantages despite its minimal weight.
The full pit zips make this an unusually adjustable jacket for its weight class. Users can manage heat while walking without taking off their rain protection, and our field experience did not reveal significant condensation on wet hikes. This is an advantage over unvented emergency shells despite the Vertice’s minimal construction.
Ventilation Score: 4.3/5.0
Durability
Although the Vertice uses exceptionally light fabric, our firsthand testing found surprisingly good resistance to ordinary trail abrasion. We hiked through thick willows and shrubs without a snag or tear, and even a stray campfire ember did not visibly damage the jacket. Those results support practical long-distance use rather than assuming thin material fails immediately.
Still, the lightweight face fabric deserves care around rough rock, sharp edges, and repeated abrasion from climbing hardware. Its lightweight construction calls for more care than many substantial rain shells, a reasonable reminder of its minimalist construction. For on-trail backpacking, the documented durability was more reassuring than its featherweight fabric suggests.
Durability Score: 3.8/5.0
Weight
At only 5.4 ounces, the Vertice is among the lightest jackets here. For a thru-hiker, that saved weight accumulates in value over many miles. The $299 price and less durable construction make less sense for casual short outings.
Long-distance hikers may find that the savings compared with a 13- or 16-ounce jacket matter over thousands of steps each day. The Vertice still includes coverage and ventilation that would normally demand heavier construction. However, a casual hiker paying $299 largely for saved ounces may gain more from a cheaper, sturdier alternative.
Weight Score: 4.4/5.0
Should You Buy the Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket?
The Vertice is aimed at backpackers whose rain jacket might be carried for hundreds of miles but used only when the weather turns. The long coverage helped on a wet Colorado Trail stretch, and its 5.4-ounce weight is hard to match.
Casual users will likely find the $299 price and delicate build hard to justify. If you prefer longevity, everyday comfort, and a lower price, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the stronger general-purpose option.
What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?
Montbell Versalite Review: This alternative remains very light while including pit zips and a different feature arrangement. Consider it if you want an ultralight shell with a long record of CleverHiker use.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Review: For fewer dollars, you get a substantially more robust three-layer jacket. It is far heavier than the Vertice, so it best suits users who do not prioritize minimal pack weight.
Outdoor Research Foray 3L / Aspire 3L Review: For hikers who prioritize maximum airflow over low weight, these jackets have long side zippers that offer substantially more ventilation control.
